Defending WNBA champions Las Vegas Aces defer starting five decisions ahead of 2026 opener
The Aces aim to avoid a sluggish campaign start by evaluating lineup options through the initial games of the season.
Defending WNBA champions the Las Vegas Aces are not rushing to finalise their starting five ahead of their season opener against the Phoenix Mercury on 9 May. Head Coach Becky Hammon, bolstered by the integration of three new veterans and two rookies, plans to utilise the first few games of the campaign to determine the optimal lineup balance. This measured approach reflects the club's experience in managing roster transitions while seeking to establish a cohesive unit before the regular season commences.
Newcomer Stephanie Talbot received the starting nod in both pre-season outings, playing 19 minutes against the Dallas Wings in a 101-84 loss. Conversely, three-time champion guard Jewell Loyd dropped to the bench after starting against Japan, logging 28 minutes in the final tune-up game. These shifts indicate that Hammon is actively assessing the contributions of the new roster additions rather than adhering to a pre-determined hierarchy.
Hammon emphasises improving team defence and establishing a fast-paced, unselfish offensive identity as the primary objectives for the upcoming season. The coach explicitly stated that the team will be a work in progress defensively during the early stages of training camp, acknowledging that the squad fell behind early in the final exhibition game before the season officially begins.
Potential candidates for the fifth starting spot include defensive specialist Brianna Turner and guard Chennedy Carter, though the final decision remains open as the team aims to avoid a rough start similar to the previous year. Turner offers proven defensive capabilities, while Carter fits the fast-paced brand of offence the coaching staff intends to implement.
The coaching staff prioritises strengthening team defence and cultivating a fast-paced, unselfish offensive identity to ensure the team does not replicate the sluggish start experienced in the previous campaign. Hammon noted that having multiple coaches on the floor aids in system implementation without excessive instruction, leveraging the experience of the veteran squad to guide the new players.
As the Aces prepare for their second title defence in the last three years, the focus remains on turning elite individual talent into a cohesive team that runs for one another. The organisation believes that obsessing over these little details and playing for each other night in and night out is the difference between good and great teams.
